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Background Information

Tantalum (Ta) is a refractory metal. Tantalum is quite soft compared to tungsten or even molybdenum. The density and melting point of tantalum lie between those of tungsten and molybdenum.

Tantalum is often used in capacitors or other electronic devices and is also used to alloy other metals. Its high corrosion resistance is useful in chemical reaction pipes and vessels such as vacuum furnaces and nuclear reactors, allowing corrosion-resistant properties at high temperatures while minimizing product contamination. Its high thermal conductivity is useful in equipment such as heat exchangers and distillation equipment.

We offer the following grades, to ASTM B708:

  • R05200, unalloyed tantalum, electron-beam furnace or vacuum-arc melt, or both,

  • R05400, unalloyed tantalum, powder-metallurgy consolidation,

  • R05255, tantalum alloy, 90 % tantalum, 10 % tungsten, electron-beam furnace of vacuum-arc melt, or both,

  • R05252, tantalum alloy, 97.5 % tantalum, 2.5 % tungsten, electron-beam furnace or vacuum-arc melt, or both, and

  • R05240, tantalum alloy, 60 % tantalum, 40 % niobium, electron-beam furnace or vacuum-arc melt.

Tantalum Advantages

  • High density and melting point
  • High corrosion resistance
  • High thermal conductivity

Tantalum Applications

  • Capacitors or electronic devices
  • Chemical reaction pipes
  • Nuclear reactors
  • Heat exchangers
  • Distillation equipment

Have Technical Questions?

We’re available to answer any questions regarding our products or services and provide quotes for custom projects. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Tantalum Resources

Leaks and Gas Loads

Leaks and Gas Loads

MTS Owners Featured in Crain's Chicago Business

MTS Owners Featured in Crain's Chicago Business

Tip-top Top Tips

Our tops are designed to spin for a long time. There can be a learning curve for some people due to the density of our tungsten tops. Your spinning abilities will improve over time; with practice you will get a fast, balanced, and long-lasting spin.

TIG Welding with Inverters vs Transformers

A question we often get is "I have an inverter (or transformer) unit, which tungsten should I use?"

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Tantalum Properties

Atomic Number73
Atomic Weight180.95
Group Number5
Electron Configuration1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 4f14 5s2 5p6 5d3 6s2
CAS Registry Number7440-25-7
Wire Atomic Volume10.9
Lattice TypeBody Centered Cube
Lattice Constant at 20oC, Angstroms3.3026
Natural Isotopes181
Density at 20oC (gm/cc)16.6
Density at 20oC (lb./cu. in.)0.600
Melting Point oC2996
Boiling Point oC5430
Linear Coefficient of Expansion per oC
6.5 x 10-6
Thermal Conductivity at 20oC (cal/cm/C/sec)0.130
Specific Heat @ 20oC (cal/gram/C)0.036
Electronegativity (eV) Pauling1.5
Electronegativity (eV) Alfred Rochow1.33
Electronegativity Conductivity, % IACS13
Electrical Resistivity @ 20oC (microhm-cm)13.5
Temperature Coefficient of Electrical Resistivity Per oC (0-100oC)0.0038
Tensile Strength @ Room Temperature, psi35,000 - 70,000
Tensile Strength @ 500oC, psi25,000 - 45,000
Tensile Strength @ 1000oC, psi13,000 - 17,000
Poisson's Ratio0.35
Hardness (Mineral)6.5
Hardness (Vickers)200
Hardness (Brinell)195
Total Emissivity @ 1500oC0.21
Total Emissivity @ 2000oC0.26
Working Temperature, oCRoom Temp
Recrystallization Temperature, oC1050 - 1500

Tantalum Products

Pure Tantalum Wire

Pure Tantalum Wire

$0.00 - $2999.99

Evaporation Boats

Evaporation Boats

$0.00 - $779.95

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We’re Looking forward to hearing from you

Midwest Tungsten Service can cut or custom make any rod to your specifications. We also offer custom alloys. Please contact info@midwesttungsten.com to inquire about custom or out-of-stock sizes.

Fill out the form or email us at mts@tungsten.com

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